Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02804820 2014-06-13
PADLOCK
Cross-reference to Related Applications
[0001] [BLANK]
Background
[0002] Security devices, such as padlocks and other types of conventional
locks, are
used, for example, to prevent access to a room, building, enclosure,
container, or piece of
equipment. Exemplary padlocks include those opened by a key and those opened
by
manipulation of lock components in accordance with a unique combination. In a
conventional padlock, a shackle is secured within a lock body by one or more
internal locking
members that are received in corresponding notches in the shackle to prevent
axial withdrawal
of the shackle from the lock body. Certain conventional padlocks of this type
may be
susceptible to unauthorized opening by manipulation of the locking members
using a lock-
picking tool or other instrument inserted into the lock body (e.g., through
the shackle holes) to
disengage the locking members from the shackle notches.
Summary
[0003] The present application describes locking arrangements for securing
a lock,
such as, for example, a padlock, in a locked condition against unauthorized
attempts to unlock
or open the lock. According to one exemplary aspect of the present
application, a lock may
include a locking mechanism having a blocker moveable between locked and
unlocked
positions, and one or more components that allow movement of the blocker to
the unlocked
position upon proper manipulation of the lock, and that secure the blocker
against
unauthorized movement to the unlocked position.
[0004] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a padlock includes a lock
body, a
shackle, and a locking mechanism. The shackle includes long and short legs
receivable in
corresponding first and second shackle openings in the lock body. The shackle
is axially
moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, with the short
leg being
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
withdrawn from the lock body in the extended position. The locking mechanism
is disposed
in the lock body and includes a locking member and a blocker axially movable
with respect to
the lock body. The blocker includes a blocking surface configured to hold the
locking
member in locking engagement with the shackle when the blocker is in a shackle
engaging
position, and to allow the locking member to disengage from the shackle when
the blocker is
in a shackle disengaging position, to permit movement of the shackle from the
retracted
position to the extended position. The locking mechanism further includes a
latch member
movable between a blocker obstructing position and a blocker clearance
position, and a driver
operable in response to proper user manipulation of the lock to move the latch
member from
the blocker obstructing position to the blocker clearance position to permit
movement of the
blocker to the shackle disengaging position. The driver is inoperable prior to
proper user
manipulation of the lock.
[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, an electromechanical lock
includes a lock
body and a locking mechanism disposed in the lock body. The locking mechanism
includes a
blocker, first and second cams, and a motor. The blocker is movable between a
locked
position and an unlocked position. The first cam is rotatable about a first
axis between a
blocker obstructing position and a blocker clearance position. The second cam
is rotatable
about a second axis, spaced apart from the first axis, to move the first cam
between the
blocker obstructing position and the blocker clearance position. The motor is
coupled to the
second cam to rotate the second cam in response to an electrical authorization
signal supplied
to the motor.
[0006] In still another exemplary embodiment, an electromechanical
padlock includes
a lock body, a shackle, and a locking mechanism. The shackle includes long and
short legs
receivable in corresponding first and second shackle openings in the lock
body. The shackle
is axially moveable between a retracted position and an extended position,
with the short leg
being withdrawn from the lock body in the extended position. The locking
mechanism is
disposed in the lock body and includes a locking member and a blocker axially
movable with
respect to the lock body. The blocker includes a blocking surface configured
to hold the
locking member in locking engagement with the shackle when the blocker is in a
shackle
engaging position, and to allow the locking member to disengage from the
shackle when the
blocker is in a shackle disengaging position, to permit movement of the
shackle from the
2
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
retracted position to the extended position. The locking mechanism further
includes an
electromechanical driver operable in response to an electrical authorization
signal supplied to
the electromechanical driver to permit movement of the blocker to the shackle
disengaging
position. A battery is electrically connected with the electromechanical
driver to power the
electromechanical driver. A battery door is assembled with the lock body to
limit access to
the battery. The blocker further includes a battery door latch configured to
secure the battery
door in a closed position when the blocker is in the shackle engaging
position, and to permit
movement of the battery door to an open position when the blocker is in the
shackle
disengaging position.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0001] Further features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from
the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying
drawings,
wherein:
[0002] Figure lA is a front cross-sectional schematic view of an
exemplary padlock
shown in a locked condition;
[0003] Figure 1B is a front cross-sectional schematic view of the padlock
of Figure
1A, shown in an unlocked condition;
[0004] Figure 1C is a front cross-sectional schematic view of the padlock
of Figure
1A shown in an opened condition;
[0005] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary padlock;
[0006] Figure 2A is a front perspective view of another exemplary
padlock;
[0007] Figure 2B is a block diagram of an exemplary lock programming menu
arrangement for an electromechanical padlock;
[0008] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the padlock of Figure 2;
[0009] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the shackle and internal
locking mechanism
of the padlock of Figure 2, shown with the latch cam and driver in the locked
condition;
[0010] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the shackle and internal
locking mechanism
of the padlock of Figure 2, shown with the latch cam and driver in the
unlocked condition;
[0011] Figure 4C is a perspective view of the shackle and internal
locking mechanism
of the padlock of Figure 2, shown with the latch cam and driver in the
unlocked condition and
3
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
the shackle pulled to the withdrawn condition;
[0012] Figure 5A is an upper cross-sectional view of the padlock of Figure
2, shown
with the driver and latch cam in the locked conditions;
[0013] Figure 5B is an upper cross-sectional view of the padlock of Figure
2, shown
with the driver in a latch cam engaging condition and the latch cam in the
locked condition;
[0014] Figure 5C is an upper cross-sectional view of the padlock of Figure
2, shown
with the driver in a latch cam engaging condition and the latch cam in the
unlocked condition;
[0015] Figure 5D is an upper cross-sectional view of the padlock of Figure
2, shown
with the driver and latch cam in the unlocked conditions;
[0016] Figure 6 is a lower perspective view of the driver of the padlock
of Figure 2;
[0017] Figure 7 is a side perspective view of the PC board and shackle of
the padlock
of Figure 2;
[0018] Figure 8 is a partial front perspective view of the padlock of
Figure 2, shown
with the battery compartment in the withdrawn condition;
[0019] Figure 9A is a partial side cross-sectional view of the padlock of
Figure 2,
shown with the blocker in the locked condition;
[0020] Figure 9B is a partial side cross-sectional view of the padlock of
Figure 2,
shown with the blocker in the unlocked condition;
[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the blocker of the padlock of
Figure 2;
[0022] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the battery compartment of the
padlock of
Figure 2;
[0023] Figure 12 is a rear exploded perspective view of the back plate and
electrical
contacts of the padlock of Figure 2;
[0024] Figure 13 is an upper cross-sectional view of the padlock of Figure
2, shown
with a spare battery engaged with the padlock to power the padlock; and
[0025] Figures 14A - 14E are schematic illustrations of the wiring
arrangement of the
PC board of the padlock of Figure 2.
Detailed Description
[0026] This Detailed Description merely describes embodiments of the
invention and
is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the
invention as claimed is
4
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
broader than and unlimited by the preferred embodiments, and the terms used in
the claims
have their full ordinary meaning.
[0027] Also, while the exemplary embodiments described in the
specification and
illustrated in the drawings relate to an electronic keypad pushbutton padlock,
it should be
understood that many of the inventive features described herein may be applied
to other types
of electronic padlocks, including, for example, remote operated (e.g.,
infrared, RFID,
BLUETOOTH , or other wireless communications) or biometric (e.g., fingerprint
scan, voice
recognition) padlocks, as well as other types of locking devices, including,
for example, safes,
lock boxes, cable locks, and locking bolts. Still other inventive features
described herein may
apply to purely mechanical locking mechanisms, including, for example, key
operated or
combination dial padlocks.
[0028] The present application contemplates, in part, a locking mechanism
for a lock
(e.g., a padlock) that provides for secure locking of the padlock, to prevent
picking, jamming,
shimming or otherwise defeating of the padlock locking mechanism by directly
or indirectly
moving one or more locking members (e.g., locking balls or rollers) out of
locking
engagement with the padlock shackle. In one such exemplary padlock 1, as
schematically
shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C, a blocker 6 disposed within the lock body 2
forces locking
members 5a, 5b into locking engagement with notches 3a, 3b in the padlock
shackle 3. In the
locked condition, shown in Figure 1A, a latch member 7 adjacent to an end
portion 6' of the
blocker 6 prevents movement of the blocker 6 to a shackle releasing position
that permits
disengagement of the locking members 5a, 5b from the shackle notches 3a, 3b.
In the
unlocked condition, shown in Figure 1B, the latch member 7 is moved or is made
movable by
a driver (shown schematically at 8) to provide clearance for the blocker end
portion 6' to
permit movement of the blocker 6 to the shackle releasing position (shown in
Figure 1C).
[0029] Many different types of latch members may be utilized to obstruct
movement
of the blocker, including, for example, sliding, pivoting, and/or rotating
latch components. In
one embodiment, a latch member includes a rotatable cam having a cutout
portion that aligns
with the blocker end portion to permit movement of the blocker to the shackle
releasing
position. The invention is operable and may be used with any suitable type of
latch member.
[0030] Many different types of drivers may be utilized to move (or make
movable) a
blocker in a padlock, including, for example, key-operated mechanical drivers
(e.g., key
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
cylinders), combination dial operated mechanical drivers (e.g., a wheel or
cam), or
electromechanical drivers (e.g., motors, solenoids, actuators). In one
embodiment, an
electromechanical driver includes a rotary motor configured to move a latch
member to
provide clearance for movement of a blocker to a shackle releasing position.
While the latch
member may be directly rotatable by the motor, such that the latch member
rotates about the
motor axis, in other embodiments, a driver may include a motor (or other
mechanical device)
and a linking member (e.g., a cam or gear), with the motor being be connected
to the latch
member by the linking member. Such an arrangement may provide deadlocking
engagement
between the driver and the latch member to prevent unauthorized forced
movement of the
latch member. For example, the linking member may provide for rotation of the
latch
member about an axis spaced apart from and/or non-parallel with the driver
axis, or altered,
non-rotational movement of the latch member, such as, for example, sliding or
pivoting
movement of the latch member. The invention is operable and may be used with
any suitable
type of driver.
[0031] An electromechanical driver may be operated by one or more of a
variety of
interfaces, including, for example, electronic keys and/or key cards,
electronic keypads,
remote transceivers, or biometric readers (e.g., fingerprint scanner). In one
embodiment, an
electronic keypad is configured to deliver an actuation signal to an
electromechanical driver in
response to pressing of one or more buttons of the keypad in a predetermined
sequence.
[0032] Figures 2-13 illustrate an exemplary electronic padlock 10 having
a lock body
20 and a shackle 30. The exemplary lock body 20 includes a back plate 25
secured to a main
housing 27 by fasteners 29. The shackle 30 is assembled with the lock body for
movement
between a shackle engaged condition, in which both legs 31, 33 of the shackle
30 are received
within the lock body 20, and a shackle disengaged condition, in which the
short shackle leg
31 is disengaged or withdrawn from the lock body, to permit removal of the
padlock 10 from
a hasp, locker latch, or other external structure. As shown in Figures 4A -
4C, the shackle 30
is secured in a locked condition by an internal locking mechanism 50 including
an axially
slidable blocker 60 with side blocking surfaces that force locking members 52,
54 laterally
outward into notches 32, 34 in the shackle legs 31, 33 to secure the shackle
30 in an engaged
condition. The blocker 60 includes an extension or post 65 that abuts against
a latch cam 70
(or other such latch member) when the locking mechanism 50 is in the locked
condition,
6
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
thereby preventing axial movement of the blocker 60. When the exemplary latch
cam 70 is
rotated to an unlocked condition, a gap or cutout 75 in the latch cam 70
aligns with the post
65 to permit axial movement of the blocker 60. In this unlocked condition,
when the shackle
30 is axially pulled in an opening or withdrawing direction, a laterally
inward force is directed
from the shackle notches 32, 34 through the locking members 52, 54 to tapered
camming
surfaces 62, 64 of the blocker 60. These laterally inward forces against the
tapered camming
surfaces 62, 64 move the blocker 60 axially downward against springs 55, such
that the post
65 is received in the cutout 75. In this axially downward position, laterally
inward forces on
the locking members 52, 54 (from pulling on the shackle 30) push the locking
members
laterally inward against a necked down portion 66 of the blocker 60, and out
of engagement
with the shackle notches 32, 34, thereby allowing the shackle 30 to be
withdrawn to a
disengaged or open position. The long shackle leg 33 may be provided with a
retaining clip
35 or other structure to prevent complete withdrawal of the shackle 30 from
the lock body 20.
[0033] While the latch cam 70 may be directly driven, for example, by a
solenoid,
motor, key cylinder, or dial, in another embodiment, an independently movable
driver may be
provided to rotate the latch cam to an unlocked position upon proper
manipulation of the lock,
while securing the latch cam against rotation to the unlocked position when
the padlock is
locked. This arrangement provides a "deadlocking" feature, in which lock-
picking tools or
other instruments inserted into the lock body (e.g., through the shackle holes
22, 24) are
prevented from moving the locking members, the blocker, or the latch cam. In
the illustrated
embodiment (see Figures 5A - 5D), an exemplary rotatable driver cam 80
includes a
contoured outer surface 87 that mates with a corresponding contoured surface
77 of the latch
cam 70 to prevent rotational movement of the latch cam when the locking
mechanism 50 is in
a locked condition. While any suitable mating contoured surfaces may be
utilized, in the
illustrated embodiment, a cylindrical surface 87 of the driver cam 80 mates
with a
corresponding scalloped surface 77 of the latch cam 70 to prevent rotation of
the latch cam
while allowing rotation of the driver cam 80.
[0034] When the driver cam 80 is rotated (e.g., by a key cylinder,
combination dial,
torsion spring, or motor, as described in greater detail below), a driving
portion of the driver
cam 80 engages a driven portion of the latch cam 70 to rotate the latch cam to
an unlocked
condition, to align the latch cam cutout 75 with the blocker post 65. While
the rotational
7
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
range of motion of the driver may be limited to an amount required to rotate
the latch cam
between locked and unlocked conditions (in one example, about 90 ), in other
embodiments,
the driver may be configured to rotate over a substantially larger rotational
range between
rotational end positions of the driver. The illustrated embodiment uses a
"Geneva Cam" type
arrangement, in which the driver cam 80 is first rotated from a first latch
cam deadlocking
condition (Figure 5A) to engage a pin 88 extending from the driver cam 80
within a slot 78 in
the latch cam 70 (Figure 5B). Subsequent further rotation of the driver cam 80
positions the
latch cam 70 in the unlocked condition in which the latch cam cutout 75 is
aligned with the
blocker post 65 (Figure 5C). Still further rotation of the driver cam 80
disengages the pin 88
from the slot 78 and positions the driver cam 80 in a second latch cam
deadlocking condition,
while maintaining the latch cam 70 in the unlocked condition (Figure 5D). In
an exemplary
embodiment, during the unlocking operation, the driver cam 80 is rotated
approximately 250
from the first latch cam deadlocking condition to the latch cam engaging
condition,
approximately 110 from the latch cam engaging condition to the latch cam
unlocked
condition (for 90 rotation of the latch cam from the locked condition to the
unlocked
condition), and approximately 250 from the latch cam unlocked condition to
the second latch
cam deadlocking condition, for a total of approximately 610 of rotation for
the driver cam
80. By requiring extensive rotation (e.g., at least 270 , or at least 360 ) of
the driver cam 80
to rotate the latch cam 70 to the unlocked condition, unauthorized
manipulation of the driver
cam 80 (e.g., by lock-picking tools or other instruments) to an unlocking
condition is
effectively impeded. Other rotational ranges may additionally or alternatively
be used to
impede unauthorized manipulation of the locking mechanism.
[0035] A
lock interface is provided such that the ability to operate the driver to
unlock
the padlock is restricted to one or more authorized users. Many different
suitable mechanisms
may be utilized to rotate the driver, including, for example, a manually
rotatable key cylinder
or combination dial, or an electrically operable solenoid or motor. In the
illustrated
embodiment, a motor 45 is assembled with the driver cam 80 to rotate the
driver upon receipt
of a electrical authorization signal at the motor 45, thereby aligning the
latch cam cutout 75
with the blocker post 65. While any suitable motor may be used, in one
embodiment, a
standard pulse width modulated DC motor having a nominal voltage of 3 V and a
torque
rating of 2 m-Nm/A is used (e.g., PMDC motor model no. NFC03MG-012 from
Johnson
8
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
Motor). The exemplary motor 45 is secured within the lock body 20 by a motor
clip 23
fastened to a motor mount 21, which rotationally supports the latch cam 70.
When the post 65
is received in the cutout 75 during withdrawal of the shackle 30 (as described
in greater detail
above), interlocking engagement of the cutout 75 with the post 65 prevents
return rotation of
the latch cam 70 to the locked condition. When the shackle 30 is re-inserted
into the lock
body 20 and the shackle notches 32, 34 are aligned with the locking members
52, 54, the axial
forces of the springs 55 on the blocker 60 force the locking members 52, 54
laterally outward
into the notches 32, 34, allowing the blocker 60 to be forced upward to the
locked condition
(i.e., holding the locking members in engagement with the shackle notches).
[0036]
Once the blocker 60 has returned to the locked condition, separation of the
post
65 from the cutout 75 allows for rotation of the latch cam 70 back to the
locked condition.
Many mechanisms may be used to rotate the latch cam 70 back to the locked
condition,
including, for example, a torsion return spring, key cylinder, combination
dial mechanism, or
motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 45 is bi-directional, such
that the motor
provides a reverse rotational output to rotate the driver cam 80, and in turn,
the latch cam 70,
back to the locked conditions. In the illustrated embodiment, a switch 46 is
provided under
the short shackle leg 31 (see Figure 6). A standard detect switch may be used,
such as, for
example, a 2N detector switch type ESE22 from Panasonic. When the shackle 30
is re-
engaged with or re-inserted into the lock body 20, the short shackle leg 31
actuates the switch
46 to prompt the motor 45 (through circuitry on PC board 47) to operate in the
reverse or
locking direction. The reverse operation of the motor 45 rotates the driver
cam 80 back into
engagement with the latch cam slot 78 (Figure 5C), to a locked position of the
latch cam 70 at
which the pin 88 disengages from the slot 78 (Figure 5B), and to a hard stop
at the first latch
cam deadlocking condition (Figure 5A). The switch 46 may also serve additional
functions.
For example, completion of an entered authorization code (for example, by
pressing a series
of buttons on an electronic keypad connected with the PC board 47) may be
communicated to
the PC board by depressing the locked shackle 30 to engage the switch 46. This
operation
may also serve to remove any inadvertent load on the latch cam 70 by the
blocker post 65 to
facilitate reduced resistance in the motor-driven rotation of the driver cam
80 and latch cam
70. As shown, the shackle notches 32, 34 may be elongated to permit this
vertical movement
of the shackle 30.
9
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
[0037] To prevent an unlocked padlock 10 with engaged shackle 30 from
inadvertently being left unlocked, the PC board 47 may be configured to signal
the motor 45
to re-lock the lock after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 1-2 minutes).
If the shackle 30
is not withdrawn from the lock body 20, the motor 45 will rotate the driver
cam 80 and latch
cam 70 back to their locked conditions. If the shackle 30 is withdrawn from
the lock body 20
to open the padlock 10, interlocking engagement between the blocker post 65
and the latch
cam cutout 75 prevents reverse rotation and causes such motor operation to
cease.
[0038] While many different electronic lock interfaces may be utilized to
provide an
electrical signal to the PC board 47 for operation of the motor 45, in the
illustrated
embodiment, the lock interface of the padlock 10 includes an electronic keypad
40 for entry
of an authorized combination code to unlock the padlock. Many types of keypads
may be
utilized, including keypads with any number of buttons displaying identifying
indicia 41i,
such as numbers, letter, symbols, or colors. In the illustrated embodiment,
the keypad 40 is
limited to four directional buttons 41 and a center "reset" button 42. The PC
board 47 may be
configured to receive and evaluate electronic signals from the keypad 40
corresponding to any
length sequence of key entries (e.g., three to twelve entries) for comparison
of the entered
code with one or more authorized codes stored in memory provided with the PC
board 47.
Upon identifying the entered combination code as corresponding to an
authorized code, the
PC board 47 delivers an electrical authorization signal to the motor 45 to
rotate the driver cam
80 and latch cam 70 to the unlocked conditions. The reset button 42 may be
configured to
clear an incorrectly entered combination code sequence for entry of a new code
sequence.
[0039] Key buttons (either the same buttons 41, 42 or additional buttons)
may further
be utilized to allow for modification of the authorized codes (e.g., changing,
adding, or
deleting authorized codes, or changing a master code, the entry of which is
required to make
code modifications). Many different types of visible or audible indicators
(e.g., LED's or
other light sources, sound emitting devices) may be connected with the PC
board to provide
user notification of correctly or incorrectly entered codes, cleared code
entry, low battery
power, or other conditions, and may be used, for example, to facilitate
programming, re-
programming, or monitoring of the lock. In the illustrated example, as shown
in Figures 5A-
5D, LED's 48 (e.g., blue chip LED model no. THB105-69 from Seoul
Semiconductor) are
disposed on the PC board 47 behind the at least partially translucent
directional buttons 41 to
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
provide positive indication that a button 41 has been depressed. A
multicolored RGB chip
LED (e.g., model no. LTST-C19GD2WT from Lite-On Technology Corp.) may be
disposed
behind the reset button 42 to provide multiple indications, such as, for
example, correct code
entry (e.g., green light), incorrect code entry (e.g., red light), and code
reset (e.g., blue light).
[0040] In other embodiments, an electromechanical padlock may be provided
with an
electronic display (e.g., an LED or LCD display) to communication to the user
one or more
conditions, settings, or programming options for the lock. In one such
exemplary
embodiment, as shown in Figure 2A, a padlock 10' includes an LED display panel
42'
mounted between directional buttons 41' on a front face of the lock 10'. The
display panel 42'
may be configured to identify conditions, settings, and/or options to the
user, for example,
using brief multi-character or 1-2 word messages (e.g., "CLr USER," "CodE
ENTER,"Error
RETRY"), thereby facilitating identification of a lock condition, or carrying
out of a multi-
step programming operation.
[0041] Many different procedures for programming or re-programming the
lock may
be enabled using keypad buttons and an electronic display. Figure 2B is a
block diagram
illustrating an exemplary menu-based arrangement 100 for programming an
electromechanical padlock. From a start condition of the lock, at block 110,
user entry of a
menu access prompt (e.g., initiated by simultaneous or prolonged pressing of
one or more of
the keypad buttons) causes the lock display to prompt the user, at block 120,
for entry of a
master passcode (e.g., to restrict ordinary users from altering the settings
of the lock). This
passcode may be entered using the keypad buttons, with a button entry or
depressing of the
shackle indicating to the PC board circuitry that the passcode entry is
complete. Upon
completion of the passcode entry, the entered passcode is compared with the
stored master
passcode on the PC board. Identification of an entered passcode that does not
match the
master passcode returns the lock and its display to the start condition, while
identification of
an entered passcode that matches the master passcode places the lock and its
display in a
menu entry condition (block 130). Keypad buttons (e.g., left and right
directional buttons)
may be used to scroll through available menu options (e.g., clear user
passcode, add user
passcode, change master passcode, set clock), and another keypad button (e.g.,
up directional
button) may be used to select a displayed menu option.
[0042] The menu may be provided with a clear user passcode menu item
(block 140).
11
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
When the clear user passcode menu item is selected, a display prompt for the
user to be
cleared (block 141) is shown. The user may scroll (e.g., using directional
buttons) between
established user numbers, user names/initials, or other passcode storage
positions to select the
passcode position (using a corresponding directional button) to be cleared
from the stored set
of authorized user passcodes. The lock display will then prompt the user for
entry of the
corresponding passcode to clear or remove (at block 142). In other
embodiments, the menu
arrangement may exclude user selection (block 141) and immediately prompt for
the passcode
to clear or remove. An invalid code entry (e.g., too many button pressings)
may prompt an
error display (block 143) and a return to the passcode entry prompt (block
142). A delay
(e.g., 5 seconds) in button pressings may initiate a display prompt to confirm
whether the user
is done setting the code (block 144). A "no" entry (e.g., down directional
button) returns the
lock display and setting to the passcode entry prompt (block 142). A "yes"
entry (e.g., up
directional button) may cause a code re-entry prompt (block 145) to be
displayed, for
example, to obtain confirmation that the passcode to be removed has been
correctly entered.
An invalid code re-entry (e.g., second entered code doesn't match first
entered code) or a
timed-out condition (e.g., 10 second delay) may prompt an error display (block
146) and a
return to the starting position (block 110) or, alternatively, to the passcode
entry prompt
(block 142). A recognized match of the first and second entered passcodes
generates a set
user passcode confirmation display (block 147), and the lock display returns
to the menu entry
condition (block 130). The user may then exit the menu (e.g., by using the
down directional
button or by scrolling to an "exit" option in the menu), or may select another
menu option.
[0043] The menu may also be provided with an add/set user passcode menu
item
(block 150). When the set user passcode menu item is selected, a display
prompt for the user
number (or other passcode storage position) for which a passcode is to be set
(block 151) is
shown. The user may scroll (e.g., using directional buttons) between
established user
numbers, user names/initials, or other passcode storage positions to select
the corresponding
passcode storage position (using a corresponding directional button) to be
provided with an
authorized user passcode. Once selected, a display prompt for entry of the new
user passcode
(block 152) is shown. An invalid code entry (e.g., too many button pressings)
may prompt an
error display (block 153) and a return to the new passcode entry prompt (block
152). A delay
(e.g., 5 seconds) in button pressings may initiate a display prompt to confirm
whether the user
12
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
is done setting the code (block 154). A "no" entry (e.g., down directional
button) returns the
lock display and setting to the new passcode entry prompt (block 152). A "yes"
entry (e.g.,
up directional button) may cause a code re-entry prompt (block 155) to be
displayed, for
example, to obtain confirmation that the new passcode has been correctly
entered. An invalid
code re-entry (e.g., second entered code doesn't match first entered code) or
a timed-out
condition (e.g., 10 second delay) may prompt an error display (block 156) and
a return to the
starting position (block 110) or, alternatively, to the new passcode entry
prompt (block 152).
A recognized match of the first and second entered passcodes generates a set
user passcode
confirmation display (block 157), and the lock display returns to the menu
entry condition
(block 130).
[0044] The menu may also be provided with a change master passcode menu
item
(block 160). When the change master passcode menu item is selected, a display
prompt for
the new master passcode (block 161) is shown. An invalid code entry (e.g., too
many button
pressings) may prompt an error display (block 162) and a return to the new
master passcode
entry prompt (block 161). A delay (e.g., 5 seconds) in button pressings may
initiate a display
prompt to confirm whether the user is done setting the master passcode (block
163). A "no"
entry (e.g., down directional button) returns the lock display and setting to
the new master
passcode entry prompt (block 161). A "yes" entry (e.g., up directional button)
may cause a
code re-entry prompt (block 164) to be displayed, for example, to obtain
confirmation that the
new passcode has been correctly entered. An invalid code re-entry (e.g.,
second entered code
doesn't match first entered code) or a timed-out condition (e.g., 10 second
delay) may prompt
an error display (block 165) and a return to the starting position (block 110)
or, alternatively,
to the new master passcode entry prompt (block 161). A recognized match of the
first and
second entered passcodes generates a master passcode change confirmation
display (block
166), and the lock display returns to the menu entry condition (block 130).
[0045] The lock display may perfolin additional functions. For example,
the lock may
be provided with a clock (e.g., integral with the PC board), and the lock
display may be used
to display the current time and/or date, the time and/or date that the lock
was last opened, or
other clock-related conditions. A clock may also facilitate additional
auditing functions for
the lock, for example, allowing for identification of dates and times of
successful and
unsuccessful unlocking attempts, and unlocking by specific users (as
identified by user-
13
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
specific passcodes). The lock menu may be provided with a clock setting menu
option (block
170). When the clock set menu item is selected, a display prompt for setting
the hour (block
171) is shown, for example, by flashing the hour position on the clock
display. The user may
adjust the hour setting (e.g., using up/down directional buttons) and select
the current hour
(e.g., using right directional button). A display prompt for setting the
minutes (block 172) is
then shown, for example, by flashing the minute position on the clock display.
The user may
adjust the minute setting (e.g., using up/down directional buttons) and select
the current
minute (e.g., using right directional button). A display prompt for selecting
between AM and
PM (block 173) is then shown, for example, by flashing the AM/PM position on
the clock
display. The user may adjust the AM/PM setting (e.g., using up/down
directional buttons)
and select the appropriate setting (e.g., using right directional button). A
display prompt for
selecting the day of the week (block 174) is then shown, for example, by
flashing the day
position on the clock display. The user may adjust the day setting (e.g.,
using up/down
directional buttons) and select the current day (e.g., using right directional
button). Similar
steps (not shown) may be added for setting the date (e.g., month, day, and
year). Once all the
clock settings have been entered, the lock display may provide a confiiination
that the clock
has been set (block 175), and the lock display may return to the menu entry
condition (block
130).
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figures 5A - 5D, the
buttons 41, 42
of the lock are spring biased outward from the lock body 20. The springs 43
are disposed
around post portions 41a, 42a that protrude from the backs of the buttons
through holes in a
metal plate 44 that seals the PC board 47 within the lock body 20 so unlawful
access to the PC
board 47 cannot be gained by prying off the buttons 41, 42. The ends of each
of the posts
41a, 42a are secured to carbon pill contacts 49 that line up with a
corresponding set of traces
on the PC board 47. The springs 43 on the posts 41a, 42a bias the carbon pills
49 away from
the PC board traces to maintain a gap between the posts and the carbon pills
in an "un-
pushed" state. When a button 41, 42 is depressed, the carbon pill 49 makes
contact with the
PC board traces and completes the circuit, signaling to the PC board 47 that a
particular
button was pushed.
[0047] The padlock 10 may be powered, for example, by one or more battery
cells B
(e.g., a standard CR2450 lithium coin battery) stored within the padlock 10
and electrically
14
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
connected with the motor 45, PC board 47, and LED's 48, and any other power
related
component associated with the padlock 10. While many different battery storage
arrangements may be utilized, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock body is
provided with a
door 90 (which may, but need not, serve as a compartment for the battery) that
is isolated
from the locking mechanism by a rear wall 28 of the main housing 27 (Figures
9A and 9B) to
prevent access to the locking mechanism through the battery compartment 90.
The
compartment 90 positions the battery B between battery contacts 91, 92 for
electrical
connection with the PC board 47.
[0048] The exemplary compartment 90 is slidably withdrawable from the
lock body
20 for replacement of a depleted battery B, as shown in Figure 7. The
compartment 90 may
be provided with a battery receiving recess 93 (Figure 11) shaped to ensure
proper orientation
of the installed battery B. To prevent theft or unauthorized removal of a
battery B from a
locked padlock 10, the blocker 60 may be provided with a projection 68 (see
Figure 10) or
other such battery door latch that interlocks with a notch 98 in the
compartment 90 when the
blocker 60 is in the locked or shackle engaging condition (Figure 9A), such
that sliding
movement of the compartment 90 is prevented. When the padlock 10 is unlocked
and the
blocker 60 is moved to the unlocked condition (Figure 9B), the projection 68
disengages from
the notch 98 in the compartment 90 to allow sliding movement of the
compartment 90.
[00491 The padlock 10 may further be configured to allow for external
power supply
to the locking mechanism, for example, in the event of a depleted battery. In
the illustrated
example, the battery contacts 91, 92 include flange portions 91a, 92a or other
such extensions
that extend through the back plate 25 of the lock body 20, for engagement with
a spare battery
B' (see Figure 13). As shown in Figures 3 and 5A - 5D, the back plate 25 of
the lock body 20
may be provided with an arcuate recess 26 sized to closely receive the spare
battery B' with
the battery contact flanges 91a, 92a positioned to engage the inserted spare
battery B'. When
the spare battery B' has been inserted and the externally powered padlock 10
has been
unlocked, the battery compartment 90 may be withdrawn to replace the depleted
battery B
with the spare battery B'.
[0050] The PC board 47 may be provided with a wide variety of suitable
wiring
arrangements to allow for secure receipt and evaluation of an entered
combination code,
signaling of user indicators (e.g., LED's 48), prompting of forward and/or
reverse motor
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
operation, and any other suitable electronic or electromechanical functions.
Schematic
illustrations of exemplary wiring arrangements provided with the exemplary PC
board 47 are
shown in Figures 14A - 14E. Figure 14A schematically illustrates a
microcontroller provided
with the PC board and configured to scan the five user interface switch
buttons and compare
an entered button sequence to authorized codes stored in the microcontroller.
Figure 14B
schematically illustrates the wiring arrangement of the keypad buttons 41, 42
and shackle
switch 46. Figure 14C schematically illustrates a driver circuit configured to
drive the motor
45 (e.g., a bi-directional DC motor). Figures 14D and 14E schematically
illustrates circuitry
for operating LED's associated with the directional buttons 41 and reset
button 42,
respectively.
[0051] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the
inventions may
be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the
exemplary
embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many
alternative
embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-
combinations thereof.
Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations
are intended to
be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various
alternative
embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions-
-such as
alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices
and components,
software, hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function,
and so on--may be
described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or
exhaustive list of
available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed.
Those
skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects,
concepts or features
into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present
inventions even if such
embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some
features,
concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a
preferred
arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such
feature is
required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or
representative
values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present
disclosure; however,
such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are
intended to be
critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various
aspects, features
and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming
part of an
16
CA 02804820 2013-01-08
WO 2012/009607
PCT/US2011/044129
invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather
there may be
inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein
without being
expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention. Descriptions
of exemplary
methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being
required in all cases, nor
is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or
necessary unless
expressly so stated.
17
